Gormflaith of Ireland (fl. 980–1015)

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Gormflaith of Ireland (fl. 980–1015)

Irish queen. Name variations: Gormfallith; Gormflath; Gormlaith; Gormley; Kormlod. Flourished between 980 and 1015 in Ireland; daughter of King Flann of Leister; married Olaf Cuaran of Dublin; married Malachy of Meath (separated 990); married Brian Boru (c. 941–1014), overlord of all Ireland (separated 1000); children: (with Olaf Cuaran) at least one son, Sitric Silkbeard, king of Dublin.

Few facts are certain about this Irish queen. A princess, the daughter of King Flann of Leister, Gormflaith was extremely well educated and had a reputation for great beauty. She married Olaf Cuaran, ruler of Dublin, with whom she had a son, Sitric Silkbeard. When Olaf was defeated in battle by Malachy of Meath, Gormflaith left Olaf and married Malachy who repudiated her around 990. Gormflaith proceeded to take a third husband, this time the celebrated Irish leader Brian Boru. Unfortunately, this marriage too was doomed to failure, and in 1000 the couple separated. Gormflaith then declared war on her last two husbands, Malachy and Brian Boru, and incited rebellion and rioting against their rule. Her rebellion was for the most part unsuccessful, and nothing is known of her life after 1015.